The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) held its 2023 National Small and Medium Enterprise Awards last Thursday at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, honoring the achievements, resilience, innovation, and growth of SMEs in Fiji, as well as their contributions to the nation’s economic development. Representatives from government, financial institutions, employer associations, and the private sector attended the event, recognizing the crucial role of SMEs in the local economy.
The winners of the awards include:
1. Best Agribusiness SME of the Year – Avish Poultry Farms, Labasa
2. Sustainable SME of the Year – Star Hospitality Company Pte Ltd, Nadi
3. Youth Entrepreneur of the Year – Futuristic Farm, Tavua
4. Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Celeste Kennedy – The House of Beauty, Lautoka
5. Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – Tikosaya Ledua, Ledua’s Art Collection, Suva
6. Businessperson of the Year – Debra Sadranu, Essence Group Fiji Ltd
7. Best Cooperative SME of the Year – Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Ltd, Taveuni
8. Best Maritime SME of the Year – Saunitoga Enterprise Pte Ltd, Ovalau
9. National SME of the Year – Essence Group Fiji Ltd